Blaze Bayley Says Paul Di'Anno Is Iron Maiden's Only Legend

Former Iron Maiden singer Blaze Bayley has shared a striking perspective on the band’s storied vocal history, arguing that the late Paul Di’Anno remains the heavy metal institution’s only true legend—surpassing even long-serving frontman Bruce Dickinson.

Speaking in an interview with Metal OBS, Bayley reflected on the different eras of Iron Maiden and singled out the band’s first two records, their 1980 self-titled debut and 1981’s Killers, as boundary-pushing masterworks. Di’Anno fronted the group during this foundational period before parting ways with the band.

The Legend of the First Two Albums

Iron Maiden performs at Pointe East during their Killer World Tour in Lynwood, Illinois, June 26, 1981, featuring Paul Di'Anno. — Iron Maiden performs at Pointe East during their Killer World Tour in Lynwood, Illinois, June 26, 1981, featuring Paul Di’Anno.

While acknowledging that later members carry the mantle, Bayley maintains that Di’Anno holds a status that cannot be matched. In his view, the initial albums broke the rules of heavy metal and music at large.

"There are different eras of Maiden, of course, but in my mind, only Paul is the legend," Bayley told Metal OBS. "After that, we carry the name, we carry the torch of Iron Maiden. I may become a legend, Bruce may become a legend. But the legend of Iron Maiden belongs to Paul on those first two albums."

Bayley praised those early recordings for offering something drastically different from everything else happening in music at the time, cementing Di’Anno as a timeless figure following his death in 2024.

A Friendship Forged on the Road

Beyond their shared history as Iron Maiden vocalists, Di’Anno and Bayley developed a personal friendship after their respective stints with the band ended. The two singers eventually hit the road together, performing classic Maiden material for fans across the globe.

Their touring partnership spanned multiple territories, including Russia—stretching from St. Petersburg and Moscow to Vladivostok—alongside dates in Scandinavia, Australia, and New Zealand.

"We were colleagues. Paul was a very funny guy. I think people don’t know that about him. He had a great sense of humour," Bayley recalled. He added that when conditions were right and Di’Anno was well-rested, hearing him tackle the early material live was extraordinary: "You could close your eyes and it was like the first album, but better."

Di’Anno’s later life and health struggles are the focus of a documentary released this year titled Di’Anno: Iron Maiden’s Lost Singer.

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Sharon Osbourne has confirmed that Ozzfest will return while also defending the controversial AI avatar created to preserve Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy — a project that has already divided opinions among rock fans.

Speaking in a brand new interview with Metal Hammer, Sharon confirmed that Ozzfest will make its comeback in 2027 at Villa Park in Birmingham, the venue that played host to the venue that hosted Ozzy’s star-studded farewell concert, Back To The Beginning., Back To The Beginning. While no official dates or headliners have been locked in yet, Sharon noted that the possibility of a two-night stint in Birmingham remains on the table depending on fan demand. She previously mentioned plans to bring the festival to the U.S. for two dates as well, with an emphasis on discovering young, new talent.

Back To The Beginning Film and Biopic Progress

Ozzy Osbourne with his wife Sharon Osbourne — Ozzy Osbourne with his wife Sharon

Fans eager to revisit the historic farewell gig will get their chance soon. A film documenting the Back To The Beginning show is slated for release this year, featuring performances from the entire lineup, ranging from Metallica and Guns N’ Roses to Black Sabbath and Ozzy himself.

Meanwhile, the long-gestating Ozzy biopic is finally making headway after years of setbacks. Sharon revealed that the project is now working with its second writer after previous drafts failed to capture the true voice of the singer. With a new script now finished, the production is preparing to send it out to prospective directors.

Defending the Digital Legacy

Perhaps the most contentious project in the pipeline is the interactive AI avatar of Ozzy, developed in partnership with tech companies Hyperreal and Proto Hologram. Designed to let fans interact with a digital version of the singer using AI technology inspired by Ozzy’s voice, appearance, and personality, the concept has drawn criticism online from skeptics calling it a cash grab.

Sharon strongly dismissed those criticisms in no uncertain terms. Pointing out that the idea has been in discussion for a decade, she defended the technology as a way to showcase Ozzy’s massive body of work for a new audience rather than relying strictly on archival footage.

“Why should we have to watch the same videos over and over again, when there’s technology available that means we don’t have to?” Sharon said. If you don’t like it, don’t go see it. I’m not at people’s houses with a fucking gun, going, ‘Give me your money!’

The AI avatar project has already sparked debate among fans, but the Osbourne family says the goal is to preserve Ozzy’s legacy rather than replace him.

Created in collaboration with AI technology companies, the avatar is designed to be a highly realistic digital version of Ozzy, featuring his appearance, voice, and movements. The life-sized avatar will allow fans to interact with a virtual version of the Prince of Darkness, asking questions and receiving responses based on Ozzy’s own personality, memories, and previously recorded material.

Sharon and Jack Osbourne have defended the project, saying it is not about pretending Ozzy is still alive, but about creating a new way for future generations to connect with one of rock’s most influential figures.